Legendary House Of Veuve Clicquot Gets A Makeover [Pics]

Fresh from a face-lift four years in the making, Hôtel du Marc (the pride of Veuve Clicquot) has recently re-opened, allowing viewers a rare peak into this neoclassic 19th century architectural gem. Entirely restored, even from the damage it sustained during a WWI bombardment, the reopening of du Marc has been an ongoing pet-project of a variety of skilled professionals specializing in everything from art to historical preservation. Some of the additional aestheitc offerings from the illustrious designers attached to the project including the “Gloriette” by the Campana Brothers, a room entitled “Once upon a dream” by Mathieu Lehanneur, a “Portrait” by Fredrikson Stallard, the “Cadre de vie” bench by Pablo Reinoso, as well as the entrance hall, banister and mirror pleated skirt all designed by Bruno Moinard.

If you’re wondering about the building itself (those of you of course who haven’t read the much lauded The Widow Clicquot), the manor is situated on the land Mme Clicquot acquired in 1822. Later offered to Edouard Werlé (1801-1884), her successor and the mayor of Reims, The Werlé family were known for organizing much of the town’s social life: hosting numerous dinners, receiving leading members of French society, and hosting visiting clients from around the world. After reacquiring the building in 1907, the house of Veuve Clicquot continued this tradition of genteel hospitality by offering a stay at Hôtel du Marc to its prestigious guests, many of whom travel their to taste its renowned wines, explore the iconic Champagne region, and discover the “French art of living”.

For green design buffs, some of the newest refurbishments have included heating and air conditioning provided via geothermal sources through an underground water table, with ventilation coming from earth cooling and warming tubes built into the heart of the cellars. In effect, this manages to achieve 85% autonomy in energy, significantly reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint by 90%.

However, the real draw is the sense of history behind Veuve Clicquot one gets when (virtually) peaking through the rooms.